Baked Tofu Summer Rolls

I tried a new recipe that I found via Lauren Conrad's website. I've never even watched The Hills, but Lauren has some fitness plans and meal suggestions. The recipe for Baked Tofu Summer Rolls comes from the food blog Hazelnut. I learned how to make spring (or summer) rolls at a class at work. This was my first time trying them at home. They were so fresh, delicious and healthy! I used baked tofu, but you could swap chicken or use all veggies if you like. The dipping sauce definitely makes it, so don't skip it!

Ingredients for rolls:

2 large rice paper wrappers

1 cup baked tofu (slice one block of well-drained tofu into 5 rectangles, place on foil lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, flipping half way through. Cut into strips.)

1 cucumber, cut into thin spears

1 cup bean sprouts

 1/2 cup shaved carrots

Directions:

1. Using two hands, run the rice papers under running warm water, one at a time, until pliable.
2. Lay rice paper on cutting board and fill with 1/2 of ingredients. 
3. Fold paper in at ends, then one side, and finish by rolling (like a burrito). 
4. Cut diagonally and enjoy with dipping sauce!

Ingredients for dipping sauce: 

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (or any hot sauce)

dash of red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Whisk together all ingredients with a fork.

I like to layer bean sprouts first, followed by cucumbers, then tofu, then carrots. If you want to add an extra burst of flavor, add some torn basil or mint. I made a few rolls ahead to take for lunch. Delicious! 

To Market

Summer is in full swing. Whoo hoo! “Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind….” (Will Smith version) I welcome the warm weather. The sunshine. Flowers in bloom. And fresh produce! There’s something wonderful about going to a farmers market and having a buffet of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to choose from (at prices you can actually afford). I get that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling and immediately want to buy everything in sight! 

The first weekend of July I ventured out to our public market, reusable bag in hand, cash in my pocket, ready to find some fresh treats. And that I did. Lemons for fresh squeezed lemonade. A bag of garlic to replenish my supply. Cucumbers and tomatoes for salads. A papaya, to take me back to our trip to the Dominican. Gerbera daisies, my favorite flowers. Fragrant cilantro for salsa. Limes and more mint for mojitos. I headed home with my arms full of perishable treasures. 

When I unpacked my goodies, the colors were too beautiful not to snap a few photos. I arranged a still life on my deck, admiring the different shapes, textures and colors. God’s creation is simply amazing.

Look at the inside of a papaya for example. Pinky-orange flesh with black seeds in the middle, a beautiful and unexpected contrast inside a not-so-sightly exterior. 

Gerbera daisies just make me happy. They have such pretty colors and unique centers.

Yes, I like you summertime. Very much.